Knee Arthritis Physiotherapy: Exercises, Pain Relief and Online Sessions

Start with the activities that matter to you

A physiotherapist may ask what the knee makes harder—such as walking, stairs, getting up from a chair or taking part in a valued activity—and how symptoms change over time. Share any previous assessment, treatments, other health conditions, mobility support and the goals you want to discuss.

A video visit can support a conversation about symptoms and function, and the clinician may observe selected movements if they are safe and relevant. It cannot confirm every cause of knee pain or reliably provide tests that require touch. New symptoms may need a different clinical assessment from a planned osteoarthritis conversation. [5] [8]

Core osteoarthritis care is individual

NICE recommends tailored therapeutic exercise for people with osteoarthritis, along with information and support; weight management may be discussed when appropriate. Symptoms and physical function should guide management. The guideline notes that pain can increase when someone starts therapeutic exercise, so it is important to discuss expectations and a suitable approach rather than copy a generic online routine. [1]

These are general osteoarthritis recommendations, not a personal exercise prescription and not proof that a remote appointment is suitable for every person. You can ask how activity may be adapted to your symptoms, priorities and other health considerations. If weight management is relevant, it should be discussed respectfully and in context.

• The daily activity you most want to make easier
• How symptoms and function have changed
• What treatment, advice or movement has already been tried
• Any access, equipment or communication needs

Digital-care research is promising but mixed

A 2025 systematic review included 25 randomized trials of digital physiotherapy for knee osteoarthritis. In the pooled physical-function analysis, 16 studies with 2,407 participants showed a small average benefit compared with standard physiotherapy care; the authors also noted variation between studies and small-study effects that may overstate results. [2]

The same review could not pool pain or quality-of-life outcomes because results were too heterogeneous. A separate review of telerehabilitation trials also found varied programmes and measures. These findings support continued study and may help frame a conversation, but they do not show that video care works equally well for every person or guarantee an individual outcome. [2] [3]

Know when a new knee problem needs prompt review

A sudden injury, an acutely swollen and very painful knee, or being unable to bear weight can require urgent medical assessment. These symptoms may have causes other than osteoarthritis, and a video physiotherapy appointment should not be used to rule them out. Follow local urgent-care or emergency guidance if symptoms are severe or changing quickly. [7]

The clinician may also suggest an in-person assessment when the camera view or remote tests do not answer the clinical question. The decision can depend on your symptoms, safety, ability to take part and what the physiotherapist needs to examine. [5] [6]

Prepare for a useful online conversation

Before the call, note what you want to discuss and choose a place where you can speak privately. Check your camera and sound, but do not rearrange the room or attempt stairs, balance tasks or painful movements for the camera. A clinician can decide whether any movement is useful and how to approach it safely.

Tell the clinic if you need a captioned call, language support, a helper, more time to respond or an in-person alternative. Professional guidance recommends considering patient preference, technology access, support needs and whether the required assessment can be delivered safely; an online format should not be treated as the only option. [5]